We tend to reserve certain things, such as “the good china,” expensive suits, or even fancy soaps for special occasions. The Art of Simple, however, argues that we should use these special things we hesitate to “use up” more often.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the “good” living room and worried less about the dirt when you lit the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted while being stored.

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I can relate so much with that candle example. I have fine stationery I’ve never used because then they’d be gone, clothes I love that I save only for get-togethers, expensive lotions I’m holding onto for who knows what. But it’s time to enjoy these special things. Oxenreider writes:

Let’s break out the good plates for pizza night, for a quick snack. Bring out the “fancy guest” towels for your family. Spritz on perfume for the grocery store. Use fancy pens to write our to-do lists.

Those special things we have? It’s special alone to even have them. We’re doing right by them to use them well. Let’s acknowledge the privilege of saving for special—because it really is.

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Using the special things more often doesn’t make them less special. They make everyday life in all its craziness easier to savor, because, after all, it’s not about the things it’s about us.